We try to provide an opportunity for teens to develop leadership skills. So, when possible, we give them the responsibility for the delivery of services to younger children. When they are given the primary role, we will also have an adult in the room as a resource to assist with questions that may arise or with discipline issues. We will have special meetings before VBS for all camp counselors to assure that they understand expectations and are comfortable with their roles.
There are 2 levels of camp (PreK/K and grades 1-4)
Each level has 5 rotations: Craft, Games, Snack, Music and Faith.
When selecting your volunteer choice, consider the ages of the children you prefer to work with. Discuss this with your parents who can explain more about the developmental abilities of the different age groups.
GROUP LEADERS: Supervise groups of campers as they rotate from station to station and assist with the activity at the station as needed.
CRAFT: An adult will train Camp Counselors to take responsibility for explaining how to make the simple craft and assisting campers. The group leaders who come with the campers will also help with the craft. All supplies and directions will be provided.
MUSIC: Camp Counselors will teach campers the lyrics and movements of the songs for the camp. They will use a video download on the smartboard in the classroom as a guide. During the Family Movie Night, the campers will perform one of the songs for their parents. So the week of camp, is really a rehearsal for Friday’s Performance!
GAMES: Camp Counselors can take primary responsibility (with an adult looking on). For PREK/K Games they are movement type games for 4-5 year olds. For elementary age kids (grades 1-4) adult supervision is required because of the rambunctious nature of the games. Camp Counselors are needed to help with the relays and other activities in the field.
SNACKS: An adult will supervise, but camp counselors will take primary responsibility for preparing and serving the snacks for each group to maintain a smooth operation. Snacks are simple and do not require special culinary abilities!
FAITH: Faith classes are mini lessons on the Catholic Faith related to our theme of “Rebuild My Church”. The lesson will primarily be planned and explained by an adult but Camp Counselors will be called on to provide elements of the lesson, simple crafts or demonstrations. All materials and instructions will be provided.
SKITS: Each morning the opening program begins with a skit. We need camp counselors to perform in the skits. This would require rehearsals in the weeks prior to the VBS and then performance each morning at 9:00 am. Please indicate on the registration form if you would like to participate.
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING AS A CAMP COUNSELOR: The most fun you will have all year! Camp counselors can receive service hours for honor societies, Confirmation, etc. We also will provide snacks and lunch for all camp counselors each day. If you will be joining us for lunch, please RSVP the day before by 2:00 pm so we can assure enough food Volunteer lunch RSVP.
CONFIRMATION: Service Hours from VBS to fulfill Confirmation Acts of Mercy
Confirmation Candidates are required to provide one hour of service toward Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Candidates may use VBS Counselor Volunteer Service toward one (1) work of Mercy per day, ( i.e. four days of volunteering will allow for 4 distinct works of mercy).
To claim service using VBS, candidates must provide a written description of the work of mercy (at least 6 sentences) including specifics about the action/incident, the role the candidate performed, the impact of the work of mercy on the candidate and the recipient of the work of mercy, and how/why it prepares the candidate for Confirmation. Please do not use real names or identifying information about the recipient of the work of mercy.
HONOR SOCIETIES/GENERAL SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENTS: The number of hours per day available for Camp Counselors is 3-1/2 (8:45-12:15). All 4 days – 14 hours. If you attend the Family Movie Night on Friday – an additional 3 hours. If you participate in the skit, add each rehearsal hour that you attend to the total.
All students who need confirmation of service hours via email should contact sttimchantillyvbs@gmail.com.
Program Director: Denise Masiello, DRE ● Email: sttimchantillyvbs@gmail.com
St. Timothy Catholic Church, Chantilly, VA VBS 